Lead Substation Engineer - Physical Design (Midwest)

Lead Substation Engineer - Physical Design (Midwest)

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

The energy industry is undergoing rapid and dramatic changes, transforming the utility landscape to enhance safety, reliability and sustainability. In response, Jacobs is expanding its Transmission & Distribution (T&D) operations in North America and is looking for a Lead Substation Physical Engineer in its Energy & Power Group to tackle the complexities of decarbonization and utility modernization to deliver a cleaner and more secure energy future.

As a Lead Substation Physical Engineer, you will be working closely with our regional Transmission & Distribution (T&D) delivery teams to support our utility/developer clients and operations teams as we expand our energy transition portfolio. You will play a crucial role in directly interfacing with utility/developer clients on development of Substation Physical design deliverables for utility upgrades including greenfield/brownfield & AIS/GIS substations, offshore wind facilities, and developer interconnection facilities. Prior experience in the design of utility transmission and distribution systems will be highly regarded.

In addition, with evolving needs during energy transition, Jacobs is often called upon as program managers to deliver the major programs and overhauls of the T&D networks. You will provide engineering overview, expertise, and direction while acting as an independent technical advisor representing owner's interests.

The successful candidate shall demonstrate proficient technical knowledge in Substation Physical Design applied to transmission and distribution projects for utilities and developers. You will be in a client interfacing position and will be responsible for understanding the client standards, provide feedback on the application and be able to develop Substation Physical design deliverables fully and independently as required for the projects on-time and within the budget.

Involvement with professional societies such as the IEEE, PES and similar including interest in participating in industry conferences, seminars, trade shows, and networking events to promote company services and stay updated on industry innovations and advancements is a plus.

This position will be opened for at least 3 days.

Here's what you'll need

• Bachelor's or Advanced Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Power Engineering or related engineering discipline (Completion of Master's degree will account for 1 year of professional experience)
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) within United States
• Minimum 15 years of direct Substation Physical design experience with utility or consulting organization
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of High Voltage substation components: Transformers, Circuit Breakers, Disconnect Switches, Circuit Switchers, Capacitor Banks, Station Service Transformers, Reactors, Rigid Bus, Gas Insulated Substation (GIS), Switchgear buildings, Control house, underground cable potheads, etc is strongly preferred
• Prior experience in development of substation physical designs from conceptual through the development of IFC drawings including general arrangement plan and sections, conduit and trench plan and sections, Grounding plan and sections, Bill of Materials, Conduit Schedules, Construction details, etc.
• Familiarity with grounding system design and lighting and lightning protection designs for substation
• Ability to perform substation AC/DC Station Service calculations and studies, voltage drop calculations
• Prior experience in development and review of related equipment vendor specifications including control house/switchgear building, construction/commissioning specifications
• Demonstrated ability to perform QA/QC of design calculations, construction drawings, and specifications.
• Familiarity and experience with CADD platforms such as Autodesk or Bentley products
• Prior experience as a owner's representative is strongly preferred
• Ability to perform project scoping, prepare task orders, design review of work by others, owner's compliance verifications
• Ability to perform field visits and walk-downs as required for client projects and providing engineering support for clients through the construction
• Strong communication and technical writing skills
• Team player with great interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.

The base salary range for this position is $151,600.00 to $220,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Job posted on November 05, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.

At Jacobs, we’re partnering across the globe to create the best project outcomes by maximizing the design, digital technology, and support capabilities of our Global Integrated Delivery (GID) teammates. By joining Jacobs, you’ll commit to supporting and engaging with these teams, as we work to build a company like no other.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Onsite employees are expected to attend a Jacobs Workplace on a full-time basis, as required by the nature of their role.